So, you have the huge task of arranging a conference, part of which means sourcing an event app. A question I get asked all the time is, “how long does it take to build a conference app?” It’s a great question and it all depends on the type of technology you want to use.
Here is the low down…
Dedicated Native Event Apps
These apps tend to be the most expensive and also take the longest to build.
The main reason is getting Apple’s app store approval for your event app. This typically takes around a month. Android’s store is very quick in comparison, just a few days.
If you want your own native event app then allow two months to be safe. This gives you a month to build the app shell and add some content. It’s worth noting that if you have a dedicated native app and want to change the structure of the event app at the last minute (e.g. remove or add key features) then Apple can actually kick the app out of the store if it’s changed a lot since submission. So it’s really important to lock down the features before submitting your event app to the store.
Web Apps
These types of event apps/conference apps are basically mobile websites with extra smarts, such as offline capabilities. Because they bypass the app stores and are accessed by a URL, they can be turned around much quicker than dedicated native apps – usually immediately. Similar to a dedicated native event app they can be fully branded. And in many cases, when a user adds a shortcut to their device browser home screen, then a event branded icon appears – just like an app store icon.
Allow a week to build a web-based event app.
Native Apps In A Shared Platform
These event apps work in the same way as a dedicated native app but you don’t get the dedicated branding. Typically, attendees download a generic app that is being used by lots of other events. Attendees will search for their event or type in a passcode to get access. In terms of timeframes this is the same as a web app, i.e. leave yourself a week to build.
Want to see more? Take a tour around an event app we recently created.
In 2011, Pete co-founded CrowdComms from his garage in Sydney. With over two decades experience in event tech in the UK and Australia, Pete’s been involved with 1000’s of events, large and small. He gets a buzz improving events using the latest technology, and exciting customers with innovative solutions and great technical support.
Any questions about building a conference app? Contact me [email protected]
